CEO ATIYA JOHNSON: JANA’S COSMETOLOGY ACADEMY

What could have appeared to be a prank when the phone rang in the office of Atiya Johnson, CEO of Jana’s Cosmetology Academy (JCA) from Beyonce’s team, turned out to be far from humorous.  The iconic cultural figure’s non-profit charity foundation, BeyGOOD, had learned about the Camden County school that specializes in cosmetology, skincare, barbering, and textured hair programs and surprised them with five $10,000 scholarships for students to attend the prestigious institution. 

“Beyoncé and her people from BeyGOOD and her Cécred hair company chose our school, which has been life-changing,” explained Johnson. “Other schools were considered, but they couldn’t find a school in New York that offered textured hair programs, so they looked in New Jersey, and we were selected. They said it was like finding a diamond in the rough.’”

Recognizing the importance of fostering and supporting entrepreneurship in the hair care industry, Beyonce’s philanthropic initiative of Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund will allocate $500,000 to serve diverse communities for cosmetology schools and salon businesses in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and here in New Jersey.  

JCA’s cosmetology program, one of the most populated among students, runs between $10,000-$15,000 toward eventual licensing.  Other programs, including Natural Hair & Braiding, run slightly lower tuition.  Students enrolled in full cosmetology typically complete the program within nine months, while barbering takes six months.  Natural Hair & Braiding constitutes the least amount of time for licensing – fifty hours.

Irrespective of the measurements of time, high standards are imposed for professional outcomes at JCA.  Johnson enforces a ‘no mediocrity approach’ for student enrollment at the academy.  “We are very intentional about who we are looking for.  We take the cream of the crop at our school.  They must possess the right skill set, critical thinking, and love for people.  If you do not love people and do not work strenuously, then this profession is not for you,” Johnson stressed.

Johnson has advocated both a strong work ethic and passion for cosmetology since age seventeen. She took over the family business, Jana’s Unique Hair Salon in Lindenwold, after her mother left without warning.  Sadly, Mrs. Wanda’s mental health had been impacted significantly following the unexpected losses of family members, including her sister, brother, and mother. “I kinda got thrust into it, but I refused to let my mother’s legacy die.  My mother was in business for thirty years before I stepped in.  I was going to cosmetology school at the time, and I had a student permit but not my license. Through God’s grace and my Dad’s support, we kept the business thriving.”

Opening a cosmetology school seemed like a natural progression for the expansion of Jana’s empire.  But Johnson’s aspiration to launch JCA was initially met with strife, particularly during COVID when most new ventures were forced to cease operating.  “It was a struggle to get the school opened, but we wouldn’t let COVID stop us,” stated Johnson determinedly.  “The school was my baby.  We fought tooth and nail for two years to get the State’s approval.  There was a lot of paperwork and moving parts.  But it was important to show the State that we’re great, not mediocre.  I am a firm believer in operating at excellence.  I lead with excellence in everything I do.” 

There is a monthly enrollment policy for incoming applicants attending JCA programs.  Over a hundred students, with a success rate of 98%, have graduated from the academy.   It is also worth noting the doors of diversity and inclusivity are open to all individuals in pursuit of becoming the next generation of cosmetology and hair care professionals.  Johnson’s self-imposed tagline, “Preparing cosmetology’s new elite,” correlates with her motivation to connect JCA grads with industry leaders for potential employment opportunities.  Plus, the financial support of Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund serves as a continuing and sustaining partnership throughout the years.  As Beyoncé’s representative so cogently expressed, “When we’re your partners, we’re your partners for life.”

Atiya Johnson attests that realizing this monumental prospect could never have occurred without a small degree of hope and a massive belief in faith. “God opened the door. Years ago, I wrote a ten-year plan to meet Beyoncé.  I may not have met her personally, but I admit I’m not a person of manifestation.  But this is real!”